There’s something undeniably magical about a cinnamon roll poke cake. Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon swirls mingling with fluffy cake, all drizzled with a sweet glaze. This dessert is like a hug in cake form, perfect for any occasion when you need to impress or simply indulge.
Picture this: you’re hosting friends for brunch, and the aroma of cinnamon wafts through your kitchen, making their mouths water before they even take a bite. The anticipation builds as they gather around the table, eager to dig into this delightful creation. Trust me; this cake will become the star of your dessert lineup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cinnamon roll poke cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings
- The flavors burst in your mouth, creating an irresistible combination that everyone will love
- Visually appealing with its swirls and glaze, it’s sure to impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast or dessert!
I still remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Yellow Cake Mix: Choose a quality mix for a light and fluffy base that pairs perfectly with cinnamon flavors.
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Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for maximum flavor; it’s the star of this show.
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Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness and caramel-like depth that complements the cinnamon wonderfully.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
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Milk: Whole milk gives the cake a tender crumb; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
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Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and moistness; it’s essential for that decadent texture.
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Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, powdered sugar creates a sweet finish that’s hard to resist.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal later.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy—about two minutes—making sure there are no lumps left behind.
Add Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In another bowl, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon. Pour half of your batter into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of your cinnamon mixture on top.
Poke It Up!: Pour in the remaining batter over the first layer and use a knife to swirl in the remaining cinnamon mixture gently. Don’t overdo it; we want pretty swirls!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Add Sweet Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and vanilla extract with enough milk until you reach desired consistency for drizzling.
This cinnamon roll poke cake will undoubtedly brighten up your day—and your taste buds! The iconic flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls come alive in every bite without all that rolling and waiting time. Serve warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s pure bliss!
Now go ahead and whip up this delightful dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
You Must Know
- The cinnamon roll poke cake combines two beloved desserts into one delightful treat
- The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible
- This cake is perfect for gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds and wondering how you pulled off such deliciousness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions. Once cooled, poke holes and pour in the cinnamon mixture for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts or cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor. You could even sprinkle some maple syrup on top for a breakfast twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat individual slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to restore that fresh-baked goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to enhance the texture of your cake
- Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients; this keeps your cake fluffy
- Don’t skip letting the cake cool before poking; it helps retain moisture and flavor
I remember the first time I made this cinnamon roll poke cake for a family gathering. Everyone raved about it, and my cousin even asked if I could make it every week!

FAQ
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal for a vegan alternative.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for enhanced flavors and convenience.
How can I add more cinnamon flavor?
Incorporate additional ground cinnamon into both the batter and frosting to maximize that warm spice experience.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a moist and fluffy cake. This delightful treat features gooey cinnamon swirls and a sweet glaze, making it perfect for brunches or any gathering. Easy to prepare, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 portions 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top.
- Add the remaining batter over the first layer and swirl in the rest of the cinnamon mixture gently.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk for desired glaze consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg





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